Hi Jana,
This looks like a great opportunity. There’s no department contact info listed on the job description, so I hope I can ask you a question about this job.
From the description, it seems like the department is interested in a very junior scholar.
My rank is still Assistant Prof., but I’m not a very junior scholar. Do you know if the department would seriously consider someone with my experience?
I’m not sure, but I think some schools are a bit hesitant to consider my application because they believe I might be simply using the institution as a stepping stone. Or, they are not interested in someone who has a considerable amount of experience, and who may make waves and influence significant changes. That’s kind of what I do, when I believe it’s necessary for the good of all the stakeholders.
My priorities, however, are not the same as many people in the job market. I’m interested in being at an institution and department that would support my research and is against a strong business model approach to teaching (where students are treated as consumers, and what really matters is leaving them with an impression of learning rather than actual learning).
In other words, I’m interested in investing in students, a department, and an institution that are willing to invest in me.
I’m also not one who believes that being a professional philosopher requires one to approach philosophy as a rat caught in a race. I’m about doing good philosophy and teaching philosophy well, with the aim of producing quality work rather than quantity: “slow” philosophy, if you will. I believe in preparing my students for whatever future they choose, and I am looking for students who understand that taking time and effort to learn is an investment in their future. Based on my experiences, those who do not understand this do not appreciate my teaching.
Finally, I have a partner who is also an interdisciplinary philosopher (of mind). We are both in the job market, and it would be nice to find a department and institution that is willing to accommodate our needs, which is negotiable.
I attached my CV here. Please let me know if it would help to have my partner’s CV as well.
I’m sorry if you’re not the person to whom I should direct my question. In that case, I would appreciate you letting me know to whom I should do so.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to your response!